How much does import and export agency service generally cost? Does anyone know about it?
Solved#Export agent#
Our company has the need for import and export business recently, but we are not very clear about the charges of the import and export agency service. I'd like to ask everyone, how much does the import and export agency service generally cost? Is the charge calculated by the number of transactions or by the proportion of the import and export amount? Will there be any other hidden charges? I hope that friends with experience can tell me about it so that I can have a clear idea and won't be too passive when negotiating cooperation with the agency company.
Professional consultant answers
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
There is no fixed standard for the charges of the import and export agency service. The common charging methods are calculated by the number of transactions and by the proportion of the import and export amount. If charged by the number of transactions, generally each transaction ranges from 500 to 2000 yuan, depending on the complexity of the business. If charged by the proportion of the import and export amount, the proportion is approximately 0.5% - 3%. For simple general cargo import and export business, the charging proportion may be lower; for business involving special supervision conditions and complex documents, the charging proportion will be higher.
Besides, in addition to the agency fees, there may also be some actual reimbursement expenses, such as customs declaration fees, inspection application fees, transportation fees, etc. These generally do not belong to hidden charges, and regular agency companies will explain in advance. Agency companies like Zhongshitong will inform the customers of the detailed charging items before cooperation, making it clear to the customers. In short, when choosing an agency, it is necessary to communicate clearly with the agency company about the detailed charging items.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Previously, I asked an agency to handle an import business once. It was charged by the number of transactions. Because the business was simple, it only charged 800 yuan, which felt quite reasonable.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
The agency I found charges by the proportion of the amount, about 1.5%. However, the value of the goods is high, so the calculated cost is not low either.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
I heard that some agencies will add some inexplicable charges in the customs declaration process besides the agency fees. Be careful when choosing an agency.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If there is import and export business for a long time, negotiating a preferential package with the agency may make the cost more cost-effective.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
The charges also depend on the types of goods. The charges for sensitive goods are definitely higher than those for ordinary goods.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Finding a large agency company, although the cost may be slightly higher, the service and charging are more standardized.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
You can compare the quotations of several agencies so that you can know the approximate market situation.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Some agencies will adjust the charging proportion according to the size of the business volume. There are discounts for large volumes.